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yilulikestoread's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
2.75
Yes I am rating it because I went to the trouble of reading it. Not going to lie, one of my least favourite non-fictions. Probably because I was forced to read it but also it was quite strange and I dont think that I was really taught anything. It was all kind of short snippets of knowledge and nothing in that much detail. I did however like the pictures (something which normally makes a non-fiction good in my books).
cmbohn's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely enjoyed this one. It gave me a lot to think about from beginning to end.
jamie_toomai's review against another edition
3.0
Good run down of how several major innovations in life evolved. Tons of stuff here I hadn’t heard, including very recent research. Parts are dense, and can be a bit dry at times, but overall very good.
eloreads's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting book with a greater focus on the cellular details of evolution and life than I expected. Unfortunately, I found a lot of the specific details to have explanations that either go over my head or just not be explained well enough. I found the level of prior knowledge the author expected to be inconsistent; sometimes very basic things were explained thoroughly (which I don't mind in a popular science book) and some areas that I did not have a prior understand of were never given an explanation. Despite these problems, I expect that a lot of the ideas presented in the book will stick with me and influence my thinking about life and its evolution.
paladinboy's review against another edition
4.0
Beyond the scope of most folks without some undergraduate classes in biology. Nevertheless, intriguing analysis.
raviwarrier's review against another edition
3.0
It is always overwhelming to know how lucky we are to be where we are and what we have turned into. Apart from all the cosmological chances, evolutionary streaks of luck, as this book puts it - inventions of evolution, makes one just realize how lucky we are that things turned out the way they did.
For one, I always took oxygen as granted, but to read about how photosynthesis evolved and its part in creating oxygen which in turn, not only gives us life, but makes this planet the way it is - blue oceans and skies, the size and shape of living things, the chemical reactions that propagate life, is astounding.
I liked this book (despite its dull moments) and I am glad I read it. This world and my existence is a little more clearer to me today.
For one, I always took oxygen as granted, but to read about how photosynthesis evolved and its part in creating oxygen which in turn, not only gives us life, but makes this planet the way it is - blue oceans and skies, the size and shape of living things, the chemical reactions that propagate life, is astounding.
I liked this book (despite its dull moments) and I am glad I read it. This world and my existence is a little more clearer to me today.
akajujorge's review against another edition
4.0
For a researcher of the Biology and Chemistry areas like me and passionate about science communication, such a book is a real delight. Lane writes in a way that makes reading scientific content light and didactic, often humorous and, therefore, is a passionate invitation to enter the world of Science.
I've already had read "Power, Sex and Suicide" by the this author and, following the same line, "Life Ascending" presents a journey through the world of Science starting with the evidence and hypotheses about the origin of life on planet Earth, going through evolutionary studies on DNA, photosynthesis, the development of consciousness and ending with the end of life (death). That is, it discusses all the great inventions that Evolution has provided, making possible the great diversity and complexity of life on Earth.
The author takes us on a beautiful journey through time and advances in Science, with critical discussions in each chapter, in addition to pointing out future perspectives for life on the planet.
As a quote: "Science does not dehumanize people and turn them into numbers. Science, in contrast, is a very human form of knowledge".
I've already had read "Power, Sex and Suicide" by the this author and, following the same line, "Life Ascending" presents a journey through the world of Science starting with the evidence and hypotheses about the origin of life on planet Earth, going through evolutionary studies on DNA, photosynthesis, the development of consciousness and ending with the end of life (death). That is, it discusses all the great inventions that Evolution has provided, making possible the great diversity and complexity of life on Earth.
The author takes us on a beautiful journey through time and advances in Science, with critical discussions in each chapter, in addition to pointing out future perspectives for life on the planet.
As a quote: "Science does not dehumanize people and turn them into numbers. Science, in contrast, is a very human form of knowledge".
giant_crab86's review against another edition
5.0
This book is utterly inspirational and mind-expanding. Biology in its function and development are dealt with with lucidity, grace and authority in equal measures. Incredible. Just incredible.